growing wings

A friend and I always joke around how nice it would be to grow wings and fly around the world. Though my wings haven't sprouted yet, I am on my way to traveling around the world yet again. Two weeks from today I fly out of Chicago to Cape Town. Crazy yuh? Gosh I can't believe it is happening.
I feel like so much has yet to come together, yet realize and am thankful for all that has come together. Things working out: money. it's a huge blessing to have the funds stream in from family and friends. it is one of the most humbling experiences to rely completely on God and other people to come through with the money for a trip like this. connections. the Life Community Welfare is still up for having us and super stoked to have us around. Alistair brought over pictures of the kids and some names...which leads me to some things that need to happen:
Pronunciation: I can't pronunce most of the kids names. As most of you probably know, pronuncing is not my strong suit in life...
Subletter: I really really need someone to live in my room this summer and pay for rent. The ones that were originally going to live there backed out...so back to the drawing board...or the bank account, either way.

That's life so far. I can't wait to go. I'm stoked and ready emotionally to hit the road. But a lot stands in my way...14 days to be exact. Including Frisbee Nationals, Joanna's grad party, writing thank yous, finishing school, getting shots, getting teeth cleaned, spending time with parents...oh and so much more. race is on!

stress and finals

It is a weird thing to me when your life seems consumed with one thing, one idea, one person, or one event. I mean, life is a complex connection of millions, billions of people, places, situations, relationships, experiences...right? so why do I get this false sense sometimes that life revolves around a test or a project or a paper or a trip? It's such a lie.
Take finals week for example. I mean what college student actually likes finals? My forehead breaking out ridiculously is a good indicator it is a stressful time. It seems as if the world depends solely on passing this test or succeeding in a project. I have had to remind myself there are far more joyous things to look forward to, and this is a temporary state.
Another thing, money. I really dispise all the complications that come with money. I have been incredibly fortunate to have to opportunities and funds I have had in the past. However there are those financial worries you just want to throw up your hands and scream, "ENOUGH!" Much in the case of subletters falling through. The minute I start thinking about the fact I have yet to get a subletter and leave the states in two weeks...well I about poop my pants. Then I got back to point number 1: Life does not revolve around one aspect. I was talking to my dear friend Katie last night and was saying how vulnerable it feels to really really need something to happen. However though that vulnerability and desperation is not enjoyable and not desired, life will continue and no one will die from it. positive yuh?
so there you have it, my random thoughts on stressful finals week. i wish it upon no one.